Nana'S Lemon Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

Nana's Lemon Chicken features tender breaded chicken cutlets with a zesty lemon sauce, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 to 2 pounds chicken cutlets
  • 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Mix Parmesan cheese and Italian bread crumbs in a dish.
  2. Dip chicken cutlets in beaten egg, then coat with the cheese and bread crumb mixture.
  3. Fry the coated chicken in oil until browned and cooked through.
  4. Remove chicken from pan and drain excess oil.
  5. In the same pan, mix water and flour to create a slurry.
  6. Add the water and flour mixture to the pan and cook until slightly thickened, adding more water if needed.
  7. Add the juice of half a lemon to the sauce.
  8. Return the chicken cutlets to the pan and simmer for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crispier coating, let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying. You can substitute the Italian bread crumbs with seasoned Panko for added texture. If you're looking to reduce fat, try baking the chicken at 375°F for about 25 minutes instead of frying. This recipe is a great way to enjoy classic Italian recipes with a twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Nana's Lemon Chicken over a bed of pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or steamed vegetables. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. This dish complements well with other chicken recipes or Italian-inspired sides.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain its crispy texture while ensuring it’s heated evenly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nana'S Lemon Chicken contains roughly 166 calories, with 8g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value).

166 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.9g 16% DV
Total Fat 3.1g 4% DV
Carbs 27.6g 10% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 216.8mg 9% DV
Potassium 355.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 41.7mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Calcium 174mg 13% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken cutlets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken cutlets, but be sure to thaw them completely before coating and frying. This ensures even cooking and helps the coating adhere better. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for a crispier finish.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don't have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free alternative if needed. Just keep in mind that each cheese has its unique flavor, so the taste may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

To create a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream after incorporating the lemon juice. This will enrich the sauce and provide a luxurious texture. Stir well and let it simmer for a shorter time to prevent curdling.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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